Christianson wins 'big-boy race' in snowy Vail

In the midst of what has been a very dry winter, the folks in Vail may have loved the powder day Thursday, but it didn’t do much good for the NorAm racers on Golden Peak. Despite the soft conditions, both GS runs went off without a hitch.

“It was soft for sure, but the course workers did a good job of getting it smooth,” said the day’s ultimate winner Kieffer Christianson after his first run. “In terms of race organization, Vail always makes sure things go off smoothly, so it’s a great place to race.”

Christianson hung on in the second run to ski away with the win, his first time atop the podium in a major event since 2009, when he won a National Junior Race slalom in Stratton, Vt.

“First time I’ve won a big-boy race,” he said with a laugh. “Or at least a medium boy race.”

He said the conditions didn’t bother him.

“I grew up in Alaska, so I’m used to skiing bad weather all the time, I actually kind of like it,” he said, “I feel like it gives me a leg up before I even start racing, more confidence.”

Second-place finisher Nikolai Tornoe Narvestad, of Norway, said the weather may have helped him, as well.

“It was super bumpy,” Narvestad said. “But I’m just so happy I could stay focused.”

Last year’s winner, Will Gregorak, couldn’t find the same success on the course this season. He switched back on to the shorter radius skis — still legal on the NorAm circuit — hoping to avoid getting thrown around by the soft conditions.

“It was my first time back on these old skis again this year, and on the soft course I just putted my way down,” Gregorak said. “I was really comfortable on this hill but … Maybe I’ll put something better together tomorrow.”

Photo: Michael Suleiman/Ski and Snowboard Club Vail

Results
Vail, CO (USA)
Nor-Am Cup
Men’s Giant Slalom